TL;DR
GOG has been bought by its original co‑founder, Michał Kiciński, who reacquires the platform from CD PROJEKT. The service says DRM‑free access, offline installers and existing libraries remain unchanged, and the platform will keep working independently while maintaining ties with CD PROJEKT.
What happened
GOG announced that Michał Kiciński, one of the studio’s original founders, has purchased the games storefront from CD PROJEKT. The company framed the move as a return to the project’s founding goals: preserving older games, keeping purchases permanently accessible to owners, and resisting locked ecosystems. In a post accompanying the announcement, GOG said DRM‑free access will remain central, users will retain the same access to their libraries and offline installers, and the GOG GALAXY client will remain optional. The platform also stated it will continue commercial ties with CD PROJEKT — including availability of CD PROJEKT RED titles and future releases — while operating independently. GOG said funds received via GOG Patron or donations for its Preservation Program will stay with the platform, and that it plans expanded preservation work and community initiatives in 2026 and 2027.
Why it matters
- Ownership continuity: GOG says purchases, offline installers and account libraries will stay intact for users.
- DRM stance reinforced: the platform reiterates DRM‑free distribution as a core principle under new ownership.
- Preservation focus: the company intends to expand efforts to keep older and niche games accessible over time.
- Operational continuity: GOG will remain independently run while keeping a commercial relationship with CD PROJEKT.
Key facts
- Michał Kiciński, a co‑founder of CD PROJEKT and GOG, has acquired GOG from CD PROJEKT.
- GOG states DRM‑free access remains central to the service’s mission.
- Users will retain access to their libraries and be able to download offline installers.
- GOG GALAXY will remain an optional client rather than mandatory.
- CD PROJEKT RED games will continue to be offered on GOG and future titles from the studio will also appear on the platform.
- Donations made to the GOG Preservation Program and funds from GOG Patrons will remain with GOG.
- GOG says it will stay independently operated and committed to ethical, non‑predatory practices.
- The company plans further preservation projects and community initiatives, with more details promised in 2026.
What to watch next
- More detailed plans for the Preservation Program, which GOG says it will expand and will announce additional information in 2026.
- New community initiatives the company has scheduled for 2026 and how those will involve users.
- Not confirmed in the source: precise lists of titles targeted for preservation or rescue missions.
- Not confirmed in the source: any changes to staffing, corporate governance, or long‑term financial plans under the new ownership.
Quick glossary
- DRM‑free: Software or media distributed without digital rights management, allowing users to install and play without restrictive online checks or mandatory clients.
- GOG GALAXY: An optional client application offered by GOG that can manage game installations, updates and multiplayer features; GOG says it is not mandatory.
- Preservation Program: A publisher or platform initiative aimed at keeping older games available and functional over time by maintaining installers, compatibility fixes and rights where possible.
- CD PROJEKT RED: A game development studio known for titles published by CD PROJEKT; the studio’s games are distributed on multiple storefronts including GOG.
Reader FAQ
What just happened?
Michał Kiciński, GOG’s original co‑founder, has acquired GOG from CD PROJEKT.
Will DRM‑free distribution continue?
Yes — GOG says DRM‑free access remains central and users will keep existing offline installers and library access.
What happens to my GOG library and downloads?
According to the announcement, your library access, downloads and offline installers remain available to you.
Is GOG financially unstable?
not confirmed in the source
Will donations or Patron funds be redirected to the new owner?
The company states that GOG Patron contributions and donations for the Preservation Program will remain with GOG.
Hey everyone, GOG Team here. Today, Michał Kiciński, one of the co-founders of CD PROJEKT, and the co-founder of GOG, has acquired GOG from CD PROJEKT. Why GOG and Michal…
Sources
- GOG is getting acquired by its original co-founder: What it means for you
- GOG Is Being Acquired by Original Co-Founder Michał …
- Michael Kicinski acquires GOG from CD Projekt, terms not …
- GOG Acquired From CD PROJEKT by Original CoFounder
Related posts
- Linux DAW: A simple directory to help musicians find audio tools
- Libgodc — Write Go Programs for the Sega Dreamcast Console Runtime
- iMP Tech Mini Arcade Pro review: a Switch-sized arcade cabinet with flaws